The Maryland Film Fest is now accepting submissions for our 25th Festival Celebration, May 2-5, 2024. We are seeking top-notch moving image work from Baltimore, from Maryland, and from all over the world, in short and feature-length formats.

Repeatedly named one of the "25 Coolest Film Festivals In the World" by MovieMaker Magazine, we're thrilled to be back in 2024 and are planning a full, fun and festive 25th anniversary Celebration! Get ready to screen your film live at the historic Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway Theatre and other select locations in Baltimore, Maryland.

Join hundreds of fellow filmmakers – including alums like Barry Jenkins,
Greta Gerwig, Kathryn Bigelow, Stanley Nelson, Josephine Decker, Terence Nance and more – in a unique, accessible, competition-free atmosphere created solely for the love and enjoyment of film.

Film Submission Requirements

1. We are seeking excellent and original moving image work, narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, hybrid, emerging technologies and media-based performance. We are looking for unique stories, in feature, short and expanded reality formats.

2. All information should be entered on FilmFreeway. Vimeo links are preferred for preview screeners.

3. Each submission should be entered separately on FilmFreeway. If you are submitting more than one entry, please complete a separate entry for each submission.

Film Submission Requirements

1. Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for submission if an exhibition copy will be available by March 25, 2024. Please identify the screener as a “Rough Cut” and specify what is missing (i.e. temp sound, needs color correction, etc). Please be aware that an updated version of your rough cut MAY NOT be able to be re-screened for submission consideration.

2. By submitting your work to MdFF, you grant us a nonexclusive license to use an excerpt of your submission of up to two minutes in length, for promotional purposes only, including but not limited to internet and television broadcast.

3. Still photos of your work are requested with your submission and are required for all films selected for the festival. Good stills make a difference in film placement and press coverage, particularly for shorts. Even the shortest short can get press coverage or festival prominence with a captivating still image. Stills should be in JPEG format and hi-resolution (at least 300 dpi).

4. You are also encouraged to enclose a synopsis, production credits, past screening info, press clippings and any other information regarding your film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Abdul Sesay

    This was truly one of my best experiences at a Film Festival. This was so professional and very organized. There were so many great films to watch and filmmakers to interact with. I would definitely recommend filmmakers to attend!

    September 2022
  • Cleo Handler

    this was a wonderful festival / overall experience. the shorts block was fantastic, the events were super fun, the programmers were great, and i felt really well taken care of as a filmmaker. thank you so much MDFF & highly recommend!

    July 2022
  • We are beyond impressed with the Maryland Film Festival. An impeccably curated and organized event with a wonderful sense of community and heart. Not to mention the dream-come-true of a venue that is the SNF Parkway Theatre! We will be attending this festival again in the future, regardless of whether we make another eligible film.

    May 2022
  • Kate Weare

    We loved working with The Maryland Film Festival! They were amazing and personable in all their communications - very warm and thoughtful. You really feel that adventurous cinephiles run this festival and we were honored to be included! We will definitely be applying again in the future.

    May 2022
  • Dylan Boom

    Phenomenal festival! It was the first time that the fest was back in person and we had the honor of being part of the opening night short films, it was truly awesome. Would love to come back!

    May 2022